Sunday, February 27, 2011

Lest I forget..

About 7 years ago, I was going through a particularly challenging time in my life.

I had made a certain life-changing decision after mulling about it for a few years prior to that. My parents were very concerned as I was about to embark on a path least taken. I prayed long and hard. You have no idea how many times I looked to the heaven and asked Him 'Which way, Lord?'. And there were times when I begged Him for signs, at least some form of affirmation that what I intended to embark on was in accordance to His will.

He was very quiet.

What was I to do?

I was sure the desires He planted in my heart was aligned to the ultimate purpose He had for me. But I was scared to take the first step. At the same time, I could no longer bear to stay where I was. I felt the burden of not moving, staying where I was, weighing on me. And ,I felt surely if I did not take that step, I would drown. So I braced myself, and stepped out of my comfort zone.

Although, at that point, I was still unsure if the decision I made was right, in my heart I knew, even if it was the wrong one, He will always be there, at every steps.

And so, the journey began. Its was a period of self discovery, one of the hardest for me, thus far.

A couple of years later, I remember going through a rough time and had hit rock bottom, I felt angry at Him. I was angry because, with all of my being, I knew He loved me, but how could He allow life to be so hard? Why wouldn't He cut me some slack? The initial certainty, that He is with me at every step, were no longer there.

How was it possible, something which I felt compelled to do, brought me such pain? How could something that brings that much pain, be of any good?

Just like any other girl, when depressed, one day I went for retail therapy. Leaving the house that day, I did not intend to buy anything particular, but just needing to be 'somewhere'.. Aimlessly, I walked around, and then came to a quaint little shop. I went in, and slowly looked around, admiring the little knick-knacks that they have on the shelves.

Then something caught my eye. I went closer to the shelf and saw this cute little saucer. What I read, written on it, was a verse from the Bible. And that was the first time I read that verse.


Finally, His answer, not via words shaped clouds or neon signs in the sky, but printed on teeny weeny saucer. I bought the little saucer, obviously. For the first time since I stepped out of my comfort zone, that day, I felt calm and once again, certain.

Now, more than seven years fast forward from the blessed day, whenever I have doubts about where life would bring me, I would look at this little saucer bearing His promise.

And how my heart would sing;

"Then sings my soul, my Saviour, God to Thee. How great Thou art, how great Thou art.."

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Lil' darlings

There is just something about hydrangeas that can make me smile. Even on a bad day; just the sight of these darlings can soothe the day's woes away..


I was first introduced to this gorgoeus bloom by my grandmother.  She calls it 'Bungai KL', translated 'KL Flower'.. I never get to asked her why she calls it such. I am assuming it was because she first saw them there.. :D


Grandma said, they were easy to plant. So, she cut a mature branch, handed it to me. I went back and planted it. At that point, I did not consider myself as having green fingers. But since grandma said they were 'easy', then it should be peanuts, right?

Grandma was right, it was kinda easy for her. The expert, in all things flower.

But for a newbie, boy, do they need attention. On this side of the planet, even on a cloudy day, you need to water them at least 3 times a day. At the same time you need to be careful, lest they will have root rot. They do not like too much sun, and that's a challenge because I just have that much space on my porch for morning sun...

They looked their best when they have just started to grow and its the plant's first bloom. I've re-planted a few mature branches last year and just recently, the glorious babies are starting to bloom.

Hello there..



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Don't know 'bout you, but that sight sure made me smile..

Friday, February 25, 2011

Alas..

Such bliss..

I have finally found the perfect name for my blog. I created this blog last year but could not find the perfect name for it. Searched and searched, I did. Almost gave up on finding one. Could not dream of writing an entry without having the perfect name. (At least, perfect for me)
And true to the essence of this wonderful word, I was searching for some funny quotes today, and then 'it' popped off the screen. SERENDIPITY.

At the sight of it and as my brain decodes its meaning, joy just rose and burst out of my heart. "That's it!"..

And to affirm the right meaning, (as I was really hoping that it means what I believed it meant.) what do we do? Look it up, of course, and found below:

“Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you’ve found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for.” - Lawrence Block

Perfect!

Why 'SERENDIPITY', you might asked.

Why not, I'd say. There is something whimsical about it.

Besides, that has been the theme in my life, ~ 'Searched for one thing and found something else'. (Most times, something so much better.. )

So, I started the day looking for funny quotes, and instead I found the perfect name for my blog.

Now, that's serendipity...